Question 1

Does thermography replace mammography?

Accepted Answer

Thermography was approved by the FDA in 1982 as an adjunctive screening method for breast cancer, meaning it is most helpful when combined with other detection methods like ultrasound and mammography.  
For more information, please visit Breast Thermography International at btiscan.com.

Question 2

What is included in the price of the service?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a comprehensive screening including thermographic imaging of all areas you’ve chosen; interpretation of those images by a three-tiered panel of doctors certified in thermology at Breast Thermography International; and a copy of your report, detailing any findings and recommendations.  It is highly recommended that you go over your report with a medical provider. If your preferred care provider is unfamiliar with the science of thermology or is not able to provide you with a referral, we will partner you with one of our providers. You will have an opportunity to make a phone appointment in order to go over your report and results.  The cost of this consultation is included in the pricing you see for each screening.

Question 3

What do I need to do before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

At least 3 days before your appointment, fill out the patient intake form here.  Be as specific and detailed as you can.
At least a week before your appointment, please read and follow all pre-scan patient protocols.  Doing so will ensure you receive the most accurate thermographic reading possible.
 
1 Month Prior: 
- No minor breast surgery, i.e. biopsy
1 Week Prior:
- Be cautious of too much sun exposure in order to avoid sunburn. Scans will have to be rescheduled if the patient has a sunburn of any sort.
48 Hours Prior:
- Men with beards should shave their face and neck, as well as backs.
- Avoid all tanning and limit sun exposure.
24 Hours Prior:
- Avoid chiropractic care, massage therapy or acupuncture.
- No saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, heating pads, or hot water bottles.
- No analgesic creams or balms.
- Do not shave underarms. (Should be done prior.)
- Reschedule if you experience a significant fever.
- Refrain from sexual activity.
Day of Exam:
- For best results, please wear thong underwear or a jock strap for full body studies. Underwear is optional and best results are without.
- Do not use creams, lotions, cosmetics, ointments, deodorant, antiperspirants, powders or any other skin product.
- Please bring a hair tie to remove hair from your forehead and back of neck.
- Remove all piercings and jewelry prior to exam, unless unable to.
4 Hours Prior:
- Avoid hot showers or shaving.
- Avoid physical therapy or exercise. 
- No coffee, tea, soda, or other beverages containing caffeine. No alcoholic beverages.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or use any product which contains nicotine
* Women - if possible, do not wear a bra for the 4 hours leading up to the exam *
2 Hours Before the Exam:
- Avoid hot or cold liquids 
- Avoid eating or chewing gum
- Avoid using a cell phone

Question 4

How will my appointment go?

Accepted Answer

At the time of your appointment, you’ll be guided into our private screening room (where you’ll remain for the entirety of the screening) and asked to remove any clothing specific to each screening.  After a short interval of 10-15 minutes; to allow your skin temperature to acclimate, our no-contact, no-radiation infrared thermographic camera will capture images which are immediately sent to our three-tiered panel of doctors licensed in thermologic interpretation.  When your report is complete, you’ll receive a notification email from Thermographic Wellness with instructions to set-up your patient portal in order to review your report. Your second link will be to schedule your consultation appointment with a PACT certified thermologist.

Question 5

How and when will I get my report?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an email in about 3-4 business days from your appointment. Result times vary throughout the year, but at the time of your appointment your technician will be able to give you an accurate expected time period.

Once your email is received from Thermographic Wellness; you will be given a link to set-up your patient portal. Your results are in your private patient portal.

Question 6

What if I have questions about the findings in my report?

Accepted Answer

For an additional fee you may elect to have a follow-up phone consultation with one of the certifed thermologist interpreters. The value of this cannot be overstated, as most medical doctors are not educated about thermography, so they are not equipped to address issues that might arise from your report findings.  
If you are a doctor and would like information on how to become better educated in the science of thermology, please email us at info@austintherm.com.

Question 7

Does my insurance cover thermography?

Accepted Answer

While most insurance companies do not currently cover thermography, flex spending and health savings accounts may cover the costs.  Payment is collected before the time of service.

Question 8

Who interprets the thermographic images and creates the reports?

Accepted Answer

We partner with Breast Thermography International. Their team of doctors will evaluate and interpret your thermographic images. This team of doctors will compose your report, and review it with you during your consultation.

All of the technicians and doctors are PACT certified. 
You can find out more information here: 
BTI: https://btiscan.com/ 
PACT: https://medicalthermology.org/

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